Dog Tip of the Day

Turning Off Your Camera Lights for Agility Events

Many dog events allow photos, and some even permit flash photography. However, dog agility events generally prohibit any use of flashes for photography because the sudden lights can distract and confuse the dogs as they quickly make their way through the course.

But did you realize that your camera may look like the flash is on, even with it's not?

Many cameras come with an autofocus assist beam which helps the camera autofocus in low light situations (which you'll often find at indoor dog events). Even though your flash is turned off, this light will turn on as you press the shutter release to focus. To everyone at the event, it will look like a flash.

On some cameras, the autofocus assist beam will be a white light; on other cameras, look for a red light.

How to Turn Off the Autofocus Assist Beam

To turn off your autofocus light, check your camera's manual. On many cameras, the set-up menu will offer an autofocus (or AF) on/off option. Turn it off for the event and just remember to turn it back on later. Your camera will have a little bit tougher time focusing in the low light conditions but you won't run the risk of distracting the dogs on the agility course.

Labels: Dog shows

posted by Paris and John @ 6:25 PM